Your Reviews

"48 and Seven feet tall - that's Rupert…"

19-Jun-2013

I read Rupert Everett's previous biography 'Red Carpets and other Banana skins' and enjoyed it - so was very much looking forward to the next instalment. And I was not disappointed. Just finished it - once I started I was hooked. Rupert can certainly evoke a sense of place - I know Norfolk and his description of riding seven (or was it 20) miles home on his bike was quite interesting. His love of his family was evident throughout - his description of his father's last days was both realistic and touching. School days, again Rupert did not paint a glamorous picture of himself, his behaviour or Ampleforth. Los Angeles and the transient nature of fame was woven into the narrative as was Rupert's manipulative behaviour when appearing in 'Blithe Spirit' - all I can say is that Mr Geoffrey deserves a medal for nursing (a very mardy) Rupert through his time on Broadway. Rupert's sexuality and relationships are described in some detail as is the threat of HIV/Aids - again Rupert's honesty is thankfully present and refreshing. No more so when talking about celebrity and charity work - a fairly brisk account is given of the tensions which exist between charitable organisations and the pragmatic relationship between charities and celebrity.Rupert's' close friendships are given space and time here. His friendship with Isabella Blow was funny, touching and tragic. In the chapter 'Last days of Hats' which describes Isabella's funeral the 'event' was rounded off by quite a perceptive aside.This book has it all - Sex,(gay) Drugs (cannabis,lithium,coke, heroin) and Rock and Roll(Madge gets a mention or two, Warhol and Basquiat) and Religion (Lourdes)So a fairly hectic read, written with style, (I loved his description of a country Summer's night in England - it made me sigh.) and very funny. What more could anyone want - I loved it.